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Spud Replacement/Thread Damage

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Brycewvu
Brycewvu Member Posts: 40
in Strictly Steam
1000012736.jpg

I am redoing my bathroom and repainting the radiator/replacing the valve. I had to cut out the old spud and used a hand saw to cut the piece out. Unfortunatly I went a bit deeper than i thought and cut the threads of the radiator slightly. Is this still usable with heavy dope and even tape to seal things up? Is there something I should do differently to allow me to reinstall this radiator?

Comments

  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 3,388

    It happens.. Run a tap through to clean the threads ,then use good tape and pipe dope….

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

    STEAM DOCTORpecmsgGrallertbjohnhy
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 19,737

    We have all done that at some point in time. It will probably survive. Put a little dope on the inside threads when you put the new spud in.

    Not much pressure there anyhow.

  • Alan (California Radiant) Forbes
    Alan (California Radiant) Forbes Member Posts: 4,653
    edited January 7

    If regular pipe dope doesn't hold, you might have to try an anaerobic sealant.

    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 15,766

    is that part of the radiator itself or is that a bushing?

    Grallert
  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,855

    When a cut thread situation like this occurs, this is an excellent product to use.

    It does what its name says and is made to seal cut threads. Give it a try. It should work for you.

    shopping.jpeg
    reggi
  • retiredguy
    retiredguy Member Posts: 1,083

    If that expando does not fix the problem remove the spud and try using RTV silicone. Just make sure in either case that you allow adequate time for the product to dry and set.

    kcoppbjohnhy
  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,855

    Hmm. I have used it many times. Can't say that I agree with you.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 19,737

    Expando is fine but for a HO to buy a whole can for one joint?

    Plumber buddy of mine always swears by string wicking.

    ethicalpaulCorktown
  • offdutytech
    offdutytech Member Posts: 234

    Try and clean the threads up with a tap. If you don't have a tap try using a nipple to test the threads out. Remove the nipple and use good tape. I like using 3/4" megatape. Just wrap is fairly good and use a good quality dope. Here in the Detroit area the supply houses carry a local company "Give me the Green Stuff" by Jomar. It works on pretty much everything. If that doesn't work Pando works or go old school and string wick. We have all had some oops on threads at some point, i've seen far worse.

    Owner of Grunaire Climate Solutions. Check us out under the locate a contractor section. Located in Detroit area.

    Corktown
  • pacerob
    pacerob Member Posts: 2

    If the radiator threads are visibly cut, heavy dope and tape may not reliably seal it, so you should clean/chase the threads properly or replace the damaged section to avoid leaks rather than trying to force it back together.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 19,737

    @pacerob

    Can't replace the radiator. Tapping or chasing the threads will not get rid of the cut section

    STEAM DOCTORmattmia2
  • Intplm.
    Intplm. Member Posts: 2,855
    edited January 8
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1881240#Comment_1881240

    yeah…didn't think of that. The smallest you can get is maybe a 16oz. can for under twenty bucks.

    You mention wicking. I like that idea. Haven't used wicking much since teflon tape showed up. My thought if not the Expando would be to wick the threads then teflon tape (maybe six wraps) then pipe dope on the teflon.

    Corktown
  • AdmiralYoda
    AdmiralYoda Member Posts: 745

    At least it is on the top side so at worst it will only leak steam instead of water!

    One last ditch effort if you have trouble sealing it. Clean the threads using a tap then put some JB-Weld or similar over the cut threads then install a nipple and take it back out. Should leave the cut part of the threads in better shape maybe?

    Let it harden and then go nuts again with pipe dope and teflon tape.

    I'm not a fan of JB-Weld but if it fills in the gap in the threads it might help seal it.

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Member Posts: 15,766

    i'd use permatex before i'd use jb weld. rtv wouldn't' fuse it together permanently.

    you can get some cotton string and peel it apart to a single strand to use as ball wicking without having to search out single strand ball wicking.

  • STEAM DOCTOR
    STEAM DOCTOR Member Posts: 2,514

    No need for overkill. Blue monster tape, any basic pipe dope, and that puppy won't leak or bark. Done this a million and one times.

    pecmsgIntplm.
  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 6,820

    chase it with a tap

    Teflon and neverseize

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 19,737

    The one trick I learned in addition to the "tape and dope" is to put a small amount of dope on the inside threads if you have a troublesome joint.

    Screwing the fitting in tends to push the dope outside. We have all seen this you remove a fitting and the end of the nipple is bare.

    We assembled a CI boiler we installed in a post office which at that time had their own boiler inspectors. 30psi boiler had to hod a 45 psi water test. The Smith 28 boilers had a 6" tapping in the front that we put a 6" plug into it and it leaked.

    We took it out and put it back and it still leaked. Then I remembered the inside thread trick. Took it out and doped the inside. No more leak.

    Everyone has their own choice of dope and methods. Its all good. You find out what works for you and stick with it……………………unless it goes bad LOL

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